Rockford's own Jim Capone performed with the Joffrey Ballet before traveling the globe to style hair as Paul Mitchell's protege.

He had been in close proximity to and touched the locks and tresses of musicians Prince, Melissa Manchester, LaToya Jackson and other well-known figures when he returned to his hometown in the new millennium.

Gennaro Capone, now living in the Minneapolis region, said he'll miss his older brother and his stories about working with the celebrated.

Surrounded by his family, James Jon "Jim" Capone died Feb. 14 of cancer. He was 70.

In his time, he also attended Rockford schools, setting a backstroke record at Washington Junior High School. He performed with the Rockford Dance Company before leaving town to work in Chicago, London, New York and Las Vegas.

"He was ahead of his time in many ways," Gennaro Capone said over the telephone. "He was just a very intelligent fellow. He was very passionate about equal rights and helping people who needed help. Racial equality, gender equality ... all races ... it didn't matter. He thought all men were created equal. He was very passionate about it."

Gennaro Capone said his Italian-American family will celebrate Jim Capone's life when they gather for his funeral services.

The Fitzgerald Funeral Home's Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., will host visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday and there will be a scripture service at 4:30 p.m.

Visitation will continue from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. Monday at the Cathedral of St. Peter, 1243 N. Church St.

"He was such a fun guy," Gennaro Capone said. "The funeral will be the same way. There will be a party. We will laugh and have fun and tell stories of James and just love one another. We will celebrate his life in a fun away. That's the way he would want it."